Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been tutoring?
I was an elementary Montessori teacher from 2000 – 2012. I received Orton Gillingham training in 2013 and started Mindguide in 2014.
What are your qualifications, certifications or credentials?
I am an Associate of the Academy of Orton Gillingham Practitioners and Educators as well as a member of the International Dyslexia Association. I have a diploma from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), and a Masters in Education from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland.
Have you worked with children who have learning or attention issues?
I have been working exclusively with children who have dyslexia and dyscalculia and ADHD since Mindguide started and as a teacher since 2000. Thirty percent of children with dyslexia are also diagnosed with ADHD. My style incorporates techniques proven to help children with ADHD stay on task while maintaining a light, fun and respectful dynamic.
How will you get a sense of my child’s learning or attention needs?
I offer both formal in informal assessments. I ask for previous assessments, teacher reports, and discuss your child with you. Most importantly, I observe your child and respond accordingly.
Can you tell me a little bit about your teaching philosophy?
I put connection first and remove any emotional obstacles to learning. I start with compassion and empathy. I ask open-ended questions and truly listen. I let them know I believe in them and encourage a strong work ethic. I truly believe each child is doing his or her best.
What kind of results can I expect to see?
Once children have worked for a few months, parents often report an increased willingness to read or practice math at home and a more positive attitude about themselves . Orton-Gillingham literally reconfigures the brain. This takes time and consistent effort. Dyslexia can be mild, moderate or severe. Having set expectations and timelines for results is not realistic. The child reveals their learning style over time.
What can I do to support the tutoring process?
I offer reading material, reading lists, and explanations of the rules and concepts we are learning in sessions for parents to see. Beyond that, I encourage parents to treasure free time with their child and let them know they are unconditionally loved!
How will you communicate with me, and how often?
I send short correspondences and send home materials weekly or biweekly. Longer reports are written quarterly.
How will you work and communicate with my child’s teachers?
This varies depending on the school and teacher.
How do you measure progress?
Children must achieve 95% accuracy before moving on to the next concept in Orton-Gillingham. Review of previous concepts is built into each lesson. For math students, I use an informal placement test and revisit concepts until mastered. I also retest periodically using standardized tests for language.
Do you have references I can speak to?
Yes.
Where will the tutoring sessions take place?
Sessions take place in Portland schools that will allow non-employees to work with children on site or in my workspace in NE Portland.
How long is each tutoring session?
Sessions are 50 minutes.
What’s your rate and availability?
Please contact me for rate and availability.